Founded in April 2009 by businesses and residents in the 51st Street corridor, 51st Street Business Association is a non-profit 501 c3 working to make a difference in a distressed urban community.

The purpose of 51st Street Business Association is to create programs, educate, inspire, empower, network and support the community, current businesses and aspiring small business owners within the Grand Boulevard, Washington Park and surrounding communities. The organization pilots economic, cultural and community  development projects utilizing city, state, federal, philanthropic and community resources.   

The 51st Street Business Association serves the area as a response to the lack of administrative and program development services.  The organization is a single point-of-service organization providing business consultations, community and cultural program development  services to businesses, entrepreneurs, residents,  community focused groups, and residents in Chicago’s Grand Boulevard/Bronzeville/Washington Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

The 51st Street Business Association was formed in May 2009 and incorporated in 2011. The mission of the 51st Street Business Association is to assist in the rehabilitation, cultural and historical development of a distress business and community area. To re-establishing a "sense of community" and to create a viable, livable business, cultural and community area; utilizing city, state and federal  and philanthropic resources, focusing on  business resources , cultural programs , education and community economic development. The Association  focuses on business development growth, recruitment, consultation and creation,  cultural program development, performance venues support and development, business marketing, organizing strategies, networking and community outreach activities and strategies.   To develop  and create a viable "sense of community " for change.

​                                                                                               WE CARE! YOU CARE!

​Since 2009, the 51st Street Business Association has served as a strategic partner and resource to Chicago’s Washington Park, Bronzeville and Grand Boulevard neighborhoods located on the city’s South Side––helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and residents move the neighborhood forward into the future while preserving its historical and cultural past. Let us do the legwork, remove the hassles and aid your path to success because when you benefit, the community benefits and we all do.
— Sandra Bivens, Executive Director